Were Not Our Hearts Burning within us?

30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.32They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. (Luke 24) 

Thoughts: The two disciples walked with Jesus for several hours but did not recognize Him.  They were not expecting Him to be with them.  But looking back, they heard the voice of God in two places: scripture and in communion.  It wasn't just being on the road where they heard the voice, or looking at the birds, landscape, or view.  Rather it was when He explained the scripture that their hearts burned.  It was when they broke bread with Him that they recognized Him.  Today still when we listen to Christ in scripture and in communion in worship- we experience the spiritual presence of the living Word- the Living Christ.  

Prayer: Lord give me ears to hear you speak in scripture and in communion with your people.  

4/16/15- Luke's record of the Great Commission

Luke's great commission- in his gospel:

45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24)

Thoughts: There are four parts to this great commission found in Luke. 
1) The Gospel message- Jesus suffered, died, and rose on the third day.
     Just going and doing mission without the basis for that mission is not enough.
      Jesus was really human- suffering and dying; He was really God- rising from the dead; It was really real- happened in history- in time- three days. 
2) The Gospel applies- repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all.
      This makes a difference in that we can have forgiveness.  Forgiveness means an escape from our shame and guilt but also a restoration of relationship and innocense.      
3) The Gospel reminder- you are witnesses.
       We share this because we have, as John said, experienced it with our eyes and touched it with our hands.  It is because of this experience that the love of Christ compels us to witness. 
4) The Gospel power- the promise of power from on high- the Holy Spirit
       We do not speak on our own- the Spirit reminds us (Jn. 16); We do not go with our own direction- the Spirit leads us; We forget much- but the Spirit reminds us.  We are not motivated on our own- otherwise we common folk would be afraid.
       The Gospel is worth sharing.  Luke reminds us the content, the context and the call. 

Prayer: Lord, remind me of my need and call to go.